Companionship Volunteer - Kennesaw and Surrounding Areas

Volunteers who offer companionship are known as Direct Care Volunteers They serve as additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. They may provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties such as reading to patients, playing games, watching movies, writing letters on behalf of patients, assisting with plant or pet care, meal preparation, or support with light household chores as needed. Direct Care Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families. Our patients reeside in their homes or at Assisted Living Facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Direct Care Volunteer must possess the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with patients, families, and caregivers at the end-of-life. He/she has the ability to work as a team with family members and hospice staff. He/she must have the ability to respect patient/family belief systems, emotional maturity and sensitivity. Must be dependable and have access to reliable transportation. He/ she must have an understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals, and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing education meetings on a regular basis. Additionally, he/ she must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Provide the following paperwork:

a. Completed Volunteer Application

b. 2 References

c. Signed Code of Conduct Attestation Statement

d. Signed Permission for Background Check

e. Signed Permission for Drug Screen

f. Completed New Hire Communicable Disease/Tuberculosis/Health Screening Questionnaire

form and additional state requirements, as required

g. *Tuberculin Test Administration Form (unless exempt from TB testing)

h. *Completed Hepatitis B Form

NOTE: * TB skin test and Hepatitis B forms are not required for volunteers only performing tuck-in calls

1. Have satisfactory references from employers and/ or professional peers
2. Have a satisfactory criminal background check (as required by state)
3. Successfully complete the Direct Care Volunteer orientation